Greetings from Baltimore

Nap time, quiet time, restful, peaceful, still and sweet. I'm in Baltimore helping Sarah with post chemo not so good days- usually the beginning of the week after her Thursday chemo treatments.Right now Louisa and Sarah are both napping.  It is a lovely time of day and all seems well here!

I drove to see my parents last night and then came down this morning to do whatever is needed. So far I've chatted with Sarah, made lunch, given the baby a bottle, walked to the store with the stroller (where I had a fabulous inpromptu meeting with cousins- they are in town with their son, my 2nd cousin- who is battling leukemia), prepped for dinner, played with the baby and put her down for a nap.  

Sarah is doing really good- this past chemo (her 5th) was the "easiest" of them all!  Her PET Scan showed the tumors shrinking. She and Greg are looking forward to discussing results with her Dr in February.  The plan for now is to stay the course- which means 4 more chemos (I believe- I need to confirm.)  I'm thrilled with this news and arrived ready to celebrate!

I'll share more later but wanted to share the latest that I know with you dear readers/ Sarah supporters!

January is off and running

Hello dear readers. I so appreciate your feedback and communications.  As I said January is a big month and we're into it!  Sarah started back to work this week- slowly acclimating. Louisa started at the childcare center and all is well!  We're all proud of Sarah and Greg and wishing them well during this transition time.  Adjustments like this are tough for any parent. 

Sarah did get over the cold with no complications- phew- and is feeling good. The efforts to get child and self out the door are big and tiring- again for anyone but very much so for Sarah.  No doubt she is sleeping well these nights. The next scan/screen to see what is going on inside is this Friday- no idea when results will be shared.  So maybe there are some things causing restless nights.  So keep the Christophers in your thoughts and prayers. More as I know it, enjoy the snow and cold- it makes the warmth feel so good!

Being sick with Chemo is the worst!

Well darn it- Sarah has a crummy crummy cold! To deal with that on top of the low energy of chemo is no fun!  She is hanging in there and still getting things done like sorting clothes that Louisa has outgrown and won't need.  In the mean time I will share that chemo went about like last time including good news on the marker report!    January has a good bit happening, as always I'll report what I can and in the mean time please email or call with questions.  Also if you want to send Sarah anything the best way to do that is through my parents- Mom sees Sarah at least once a week and is happy to deliver letters or packages- 13312 Hickory Hill Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21742!  Thanks for reading.

Wrapping Up the Year with Chemo

I'm so impressed Sarah is spending the last day of 2008 having her 4th chemo treatment. It is hard not to think what I  would do in Sarah's situation. Of course one doesn't know- it takes being there and then you see.  Well what I see with Sarah is unbelievable strength, determination and  acceptance.  I'll keep you posted how her day goes as I'm able.  

In the mean time I know Sarah wishes each of you reading this a happy and healthy new year! Your love, faith and support of her are making a huge difference.  Her charm bracelet is at the jewelers- she has four unique beautiful hearts for it that have come from a variety of places in her life, locations/ages and it is perfect! Each card, email, phone call that comes to Sarah or family members delights!  I'm sorry if each blog is repetitive with what might feel like a "statement of appreciation" but it is true and a key part of this journey with Sarah and her cancer. So again- thank you for all you have done, do and will do!

The holiday Stoner celebration was fantastic.  Photos will make their way to my shutterfly blog and maybe here eventually. Sarah looked incredible. She is a wonderful mother, wife, sister, daughter and aunt!  Like all good things it had to end- we've all returned to our homes and will continue to email, call, text and look forward to the next visits in the new year.

Merry Christmas

Greetings from Hagerstown, Maryland!  Sarah continues to look and feel good. It is a special holiday and we're happy to be together.  Louisa had a great Dr appointment and couldn't be a better addition to the family. A baby's first Christmas is filled with awe and wonder, even at 4 months!   The crazy, wild, fun will get only better when Matthew's family arrives tomorrow! We can't wait.

We wish each of you hope, joy, peace and love. We hope you enjoy wrapping up the holiday month with family and friends.  We continue to be so grateful for your support.

Gaining energy

All is well! The last chemo did leave Sarah weak but the nausea and other side affects didn't (in my opinion from Ohio) seem as tough as last time!  Sarah and Louisa did some r and r (rest and recovery) in Hagerstown and Greg joined them a day or so later.  They're happy to be back at home in Baltimore.   I talked with her today and she seemed quite herself which was great.  She'll venture to Louisa's 4 month appointment which will be great since she was in the ICU for the 2 month appointment. 

We're really looking forward to returning to Maryland for Christmas.  Matthew and family will be up so all Stoners will be under one roof and the 6 cousins (Louisa the youngest and Clare (8) the oldest will be reunited- they adore one another.  Actually it is the grandkids that Nana and Pap host while lucky parents go to the hotel!

You all are outdoing yourself with prayers, calls, cards, gifts- thank you, thank you, thank you. It means so much and it is working.  Sarah's strength is good- keep that focus but also keep in mind the perseverance this is going to take.  We all appreciate the love and we feel the warm it and healing it brings.  Communications is a tough part of all this cancer stuff- what to say, what to write, who to call, who to call back when (it takes energy), how much to say.  I'm happy to help get messages on to Sarah and family and to get you in touch.  Again- email me with questions, suggestions, comments.  In the mean time enjoy this beautiful time of year and one another.  ssleithauser@roadrunner.com

Happenings in Baltimore

Thanks for reading about a day at Chemo for Sarah.  I won't turn this into a day by day description of what is happening with Sarah.  We've had a good day today. Sarah had a good night's sleep based on some advice from her chemo nurse.   We met Mom to pick up Louisa in Mt Airy for lunch, the french fries had a bit of a metal taste.  Sarah has always loved McDonald fries (by the way so does Sally) hopefully this will be one of the only chemo side affects she experiences this time.  Sarah also picked up her revised wig and it looks good- really good.  I told her today that once she is cancer free and not using it I want to borrow it!  We're having a good time together- I LOVE Baltimore and seeing it through Sarah's eyes.  She found these cookies that bring back instant memories of shopping at Hutzler's (downtown department store) with Mom at the holiday season.  I loved the flavor (butter) and texture and the special time with Mom.  So all is well here, Sarah will head to get her white blood cell booster shot and we hope to make it to her work holiday party.  So I'll sign off for now and probably post again when I return to Ohio.  Enjoy the weekend, make it special as it is a magical time of year.